Cage, Ludwig Star in Prison Gang Epic 'The Brand'

Nicolas Cage and Alexander Ludwig are leading the cast of "The Brand," a new true crime film based on David Grann's investigative article for The New Yorker. The movie will explore the rise of organized crime within the American prison system.

Ludwig stars as Taylor Hartman, a young inmate taken under the wing of Carter Briggs, portrayed by Cage, who is the leader of a dominant white prison gang at San Quentin. When authorities attempt to break up the gang by transferring its members, the criminal empire inadvertently expands beyond prison walls.

As Taylor rises in power, he faces a conflict between building a future with his love, Lilly (Maria Bakalova), and his loyalty to Carter. The film, directed by Vincent Grashaw from a screenplay by Alessandro Camon, is set to begin pre-production early next year.

Fortitude International is handling international sales, with WME Independent representing U.S. rights. The production involves Identity Media and Gramercy Park Media, with several producers attached, including Anthony Mastromauro and Nicolas Cage himself.